Esmond Birnie has over thirty years of experience in terms of providing economic analysis and also in terms of advising government and working in government.

Prior to joining Ulster University, he was Chief Economist in PwC for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Before that, he had been a Ministerial Special Adviser and a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Recent publications include; January 2017, “Should the fiscal powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly be enhanced?”, Regional Studies. Esmond is a regular commentator in the media on the Northern Ireland economy and public policy including a regular column in the Belfast Telegraph.

Recent and current projects include: for the Department of Finance, “Introducing a derelict land levy: Assessing the impact and implications”.